Apple plugs huge security hole with iOS 5.0.1

Apple has addressed a major security vulnerability with the latest version of its iOS software. Just released on Thursday afternoon, iOS 5.0.1 was welcomed with open arms by iPhone users plagued by poor battery life. Apple promised that this new build addresses issues causing the lackluster battery performance — though its effectiveness remains in question — and it also addresses a much more serious problem. Security expert Charlie Miller revealed a major security flaw in iOS last week that allowed developers to sneak malicious apps past Apple’s App Store review process. Once installed by an end user, a hacker was able to use the vulnerability to steal data or perform any number of other unauthorized functions. IOS 5.0.1 addresses the vulnerability, Forbes reports, preventing apps from receiving malicious payloads. Apple credits Miller with having discovered the bug — he reported it to Apple nearly a month before going public — though the company has yet to restore his developer account, having banned him from its developer program after he planted an app in the App Store in order to demonstrate the vulnerability.